So I start a new job where I get a MacBook to work with. I can’t use it privately but I travel a lot. The company gives me a budget for equipment so I wouldn’t have to pay for anything I buy extra, e.g. a second screen or an iPad.

I was thinking of buying an iPad because I could use it as a desktop replacement when traveling and as a second screen as well. However, I also can’t use the same AppleID on my work and private device, so I was wondering if it’s possible and reliable to use the iPad as a second screen, e.g. through connecting it via cable.

I do mainly coding and would just need a second screen for googling stuff and reading documentation. Would be very happy to hear about your experiences.

    • fantasty@programming.devOP
      3·
      2 months ago

      Yeah I was thinking about a portable monitor but then I’d still have to bring my private laptop when traveling (I do need it sometimes). That’s why I was wondering if an iPad could do both especially since I’ll get fully reimbursed.

      Yeah I mentioned the cable because I know sidecar won’t work and probably the picture would be better I guess?

      What kind of flakiness did you experience? Was it about picture quality or connectivity? I use universal control every now and then and sometimes it just doesn’t recognize the devices. That’s annoying but I guess I could live with this.

        • fantasty@programming.devOP
          1·
          2 months ago

          Thanks a lot, very insightful! So that’s basically the same as with universal control, it’s annoying but I think I can live with it.

          Congrats on the screen! Looks beautiful, my primary screen and my partner’s are also LG, as well as most of the TVs I bought. If I should feel that the 13” iPad isn’t enough I’d probably go for this one as well.